So you want to study law at UNISA and you’re wondering exactly how many modules you’ll need to complete? Good question! Let me break it all down for you in a way that actually makes sense.
The Short Answer
The UNISA LLB degree has 26 modules in total. You’ll work through these modules over a minimum of 4 years if you study full-time, or it can take longer if you’re studying part-time while working.
What Exactly Is the UNISA LLB?
The LLB stands for Bachelor of Laws (from the Latin “Legum Baccalaureus”). It’s the degree you need if you want to become a lawyer, advocate, or legal advisor in South Africa. UNISA is one of the biggest universities offering this degree through distance learning, which means you can study from home at your own pace.
Complete List of All 26 Modules
Let me show you every single module you’ll need to pass:
First Year Modules (Year 1)
| Module Code | Module Name |
|---|---|
| FAC1502 | Financial Accounting Concepts and Calculations |
| AFL1501 | Foundations in African Languages |
| ENG1501 | Foundations in English Literary Studies |
| ILW1501 | Introduction to Law |
| JST1501 | Jurisprudence |
Total: 5 modules
In your first year, you’ll learn the basics. The ILW1501 module teaches you what law actually is and how the legal system works. It’s like the ABC of law.
Second Year Modules (Year 2)
| Module Code | Module Name |
|---|---|
| CRW1501 | Introduction to Criminal Law |
| FAM1501 | Foundation of Family Law |
| FUR2601 | Fundamental Rights |
| PVL1501 | Introduction to General Principles of Private Law |
| PVL2602 | Law of Succession |
| PUL1501 | Introduction to Constitutional Law |
Total: 6 modules
Second year gets more interesting. You’ll start learning about crimes, family matters like marriage and divorce, and your rights as a South African citizen.
Third Year Modules (Year 3)
| Module Code | Module Name |
|---|---|
| CRW2601 | Criminal Law: Specific Crimes |
| CPL2601 | Civil Procedure |
| EPL2601 | Entrepreneurial and Property Law |
| LAE2601 | Law of Equity |
| LOB2601 | Labour Law |
| MRL2601 | Mercantile Law |
Total: 6 modules
Now things get real. Third year goes deeper into specific types of crimes, how court cases work, business law, and workers’ rights.
Fourth Year Modules (Year 4)
| Module Code | Module Name |
|---|---|
| ADL2601 | Administrative Law |
| CRW2602 | Criminal Procedure |
| EVI2601 | Law of Evidence |
| IND2601 | Indigenous Law |
| LCP4801 | Legal Philosophy |
| LPL4802 | Law of Persons |
| INT4801 | Interpretation of Statutes |
| PRV4801 | Private International Law |
| TAX1501 | Introduction to Taxation |
Total: 9 modules
Your final year has the most modules. You’ll learn about how government departments must follow the law, how to present proof in court, traditional African law, and even some tax stuff.
How Long Does It Take to Finish All 26 Modules?
Here’s what you need to know about timing:
Full-time students: 4 years minimum
Part-time students: Can take 6-8 years or more
Maximum time allowed: UNISA gives you a certain number of years to finish, but this changes based on their rules at the time
How Many Modules Per Year?
Most students register for 5-7 modules per year. But here’s the thing – you don’t have to follow this exactly. UNISA lets you go at your own speed, which is perfect if you’re working or have other responsibilities.
Can I Skip Any Modules?
Short answer: No, not really.
Every single one of the 26 modules is required. You can’t pick and choose which ones to do. However, if you’ve studied law somewhere else before, you might be able to get credit for some modules. This is called “recognition of prior learning” or getting exemptions.
How to Apply for Module Exemptions
- Get your academic records from your previous studies
- Submit them to UNISA’s admissions office
- Wait for them to check if your old subjects match any LLB modules
- If they approve, you won’t have to repeat those modules
What’s the Pass Mark for Each Module?
You need to get at least 50% to pass each module. Some modules also have a “sub-minimum” in the exam, meaning you can’t just rely on your assignments – you need to do okay in the exam too.
Assessment Breakdown
Most LLB modules work like this:
- Assignments: Usually count for 10-20% of your final mark
- Exam: Makes up the rest (80-90%)
Some modules now have year-round assessments instead of big exams, but this varies.
Which Modules Are the Hardest?
Let me be real with you. Some modules have higher fail rates than others. Students often struggle with:
- Criminal Law (CRW1501 and CRW2601) – There’s a lot to memorize
- Law of Evidence (EVI2601) – Pretty technical stuff
- Civil Procedure (CPL2601) – Lots of rules about court processes
- Mercantile Law (MRL2601) – Business law can be tricky
Tips to Handle Tough Modules
- Start studying early in the semester
- Join UNISA study groups on Facebook or WhatsApp
- Use past exam papers (you can find these on myUNISA)
- Actually read the prescribed textbooks, don’t just rely on notes
Do I Need to Buy Textbooks for All 26 Modules?
Yes, each module has prescribed textbooks and study guides. This can get expensive. A single law textbook can cost anywhere from R400 to R1,200.
Ways to Save Money on Books
- Buy second-hand books from students who just finished the module
- Check if your local library has copies
- Some students share PDFs (though textbooks are copyrighted, so be careful)
- Look for older editions – sometimes they work just fine
What Happens After I Finish All 26 Modules?
Once you pass all 26 modules, you get your LLB degree. But you’re not automatically a lawyer yet!
Here’s what comes next:
- Community service – You need to do practical legal work
- Board exams – Pass the attorneys’ admission exam or advocates’ bar exam
- Registration – Register with the Legal Practice Council
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finish the LLB faster than 4 years?
Technically, no. UNISA structures the degree so you can’t do more than a certain number of modules per year. The 4-year minimum is pretty fixed.
How much does each module cost?
Fees change every year, but as a rough guide, expect to pay around R1,500-R2,500 per module in 2024. So the whole degree could cost you between R40,000-R65,000 in tuition alone.
What if I fail a module?
You can repeat it. You’ll just need to register and pay for it again the next semester or year. There’s no limit on how many times you can try, but remember the maximum completion time.
Are there any practical modules?
Most LLB modules are theoretical – you read, study, and write exams. The practical training comes after you graduate.
Can I study some modules online?
All UNISA modules are distance learning, so yes, everything happens online through myUNISA. You submit assignments online, access study materials online, and communicate with lecturers through the online system.
My Final Thoughts
26 modules sounds like a lot, and honestly, it is. An LLB is one of the tougher degrees out there. But thousands of people finish it every year at UNISA while working full-time jobs and raising families.
The key is to plan ahead, know what you’re getting into, and take it one module at a time. Don’t try to rush it. Better to pass slowly than fail quickly.
If you’re serious about becoming a lawyer, these 26 modules are just the first step on your journey. It won’t be easy, but it’s definitely doable.
Good luck with your studies!
Last updated: 2024. Always check the official UNISA website for the most current module list and requirements, as these can change.
